Career Path: Planetary scientists need to obtain a Ph.D for most research jobs. Graduate students may concentrate in a subfield of physics or astronomy, and take courses in mathematics, computer science, and engineering. After obtaining a Ph.D, planetary scientists typically begin their careers in temporary postdoctoral research positions.

Best Cities for this job: Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York City, Seattle, Chicago

Median Annual Income: National: $105,430; CA: $93,000

Future Growth: The number of jobs is expected to grow about 10% in the 2012-2022 decade, which is about average.

From the field: “I think the biggest key to success is being passionate about something, and allowing yourself to be passionate about something. ” – Margarita Marinova

Did You Know?: Planet Mars is home to the highest mountain in the solar system. Olympus Mons is roughly 17 miles (27 kilometers) high, about three times as tall as Mount Everest.